Integral poster frame

ABSTRACT

The present invention preferably is a novel integral poster frame to exhibit a diversity of images. Preferably, the frame is formed from a rectangular template that is made of cardboard. The template preferably includes a principal section and dependent sections that are folded behind the principal section to provide a sense of depth, resistance and stability.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT Application No. PCT/MX01/00079, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 (which designates the United States), which claims priority from Mexican Application No. PA/u/2001/000107, filed on Apr. 9, 2001. This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property from Mexican Application No. PA/u/2001/000107, filed on Apr. 9, 2001 with Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. These patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention preferably includes a structure to frame a poster. More specifically, the invention is a novel integral poster frame to exhibit a diversity of images printed on its external face.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Up to today marketable posters commonly are made of paper or cardboard of different types and dimensions, generally in quadrangular or rectangular forms. These kind of posters are attached to walls, windows or any place to exhibit using, for example, friction tape on the back part and then on the surface of the place. Sometimes when fixing the poster on a surface, nails are used and this increase the likelihood that that the poster will be ripped.

[0004] These posters typically have a short durability, because the posters are easily ripped or destroyed making them difficult to move from place to place when the adhesive on the tape wears out and the tape is removed resulting in damage to the appearance of the poster. Besides, the perception of this type of printings is completely flat, so it does not give the impression of depth that is normally desirable.

[0005] To give the perception of depth, another type of poster has wooden frames which can be covered with resins, but this type of posters are very expensive and are heavy making it more difficult to place them anywhere.

[0006] This invention was developed to address the above problems in the prior art by preferably providing an integral poster frame to exhibit diverse images.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In general form, this invention refers to an integral poster frame made from, for example, a template of cardboard, sulfated pasteboard, metal pasteboard etc. folded to get the form of a frame.

[0008] The integral poster frame preferably is created from a rectangular template that preferably is made of a cardboard material, sulfated pasteboard, metal pasteboard etc. The template preferably includes a folded perimeter with slots and cuts localized to create walls similar to that of a frame to provide a sense of depth, resistance and stability.

[0009] In one of its embodiments, the template preferably includes a principal section, a pair of first sections on opposite sides of the principal section, and a pair of second sections connected to the principal section on the remaining opposite sides. Each of the first sections preferably includes a flap on opposite shorter ends and a third section extending from a side opposite to the principal section. Each of the third sections preferably includes a slot or hole near its ends. Each of the second sections preferably includes a fourth section extending from a side opposite to the principal section. Each of the fourth sections preferably includes a tongue at each end for engaging a respective slot of a third section.

[0010] The third sections preferably are narrower than the fourth sections with the fourth sections being wider than each of the tongues.

[0011] Preferably when the frame is formed using the template, the first and second sections are folded perpendicular to the principal section with the flaps being folded in on the inside side of the respective second section. The fourth sections preferably are folded in such that they are parallel to the principal section. The third sections preferably are then folded in to be parallel to the principal section and to allow the tongues to engage the slots of the fourth sections.

[0012] In another embodiment, the upper part of the principal section of the template may include two vertical slots separated by a determined distance but preferably at the same height. In these vertical slots, the earflaps of a head section or title section preferably are inserted as well as any image or other information. Such head or title section preferably is disposed in front of the surface of the principal section where the image to exhibit is placed.

[0013] In another embodiment, the connections between the third and fourth sections may be accomplished using any chosen adhesive means such as a Velcro™, adhesive tape with glue at both sides, or any other adequate means of locking (or joining or union).

[0014] In another embodiment, the first and second sections are folded 90 degrees to the back of the principal section, but the third and fourth sections are folded 90 degrees outside of the respective first and second sections.

[0015] This invention has as basic objective to supply an integral poster frame that may be hung at diverse places and that it looks similar to a poster glued to a frame of any material.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to allow such integral poster frame to give the sensation of volume.

[0017] Yet another objective of this invention is to supply this integral poster frame that has more resistance, more durability and a better image that that possible with the prior art.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to make available such integral poster frame that is easy to assemble and to fabricate.

[0019] Finally, another objective of this invention is to have low manufacturing costs, which will result in a lower sales price for a more durable poster.

[0020] And all those qualities and objectives will be shown when we make a description of this invention learning on the embodiments illustrated.

[0021] For better understanding of the invention, we complement this description, as an integrated part, the drawings with illustrative character but not limitative, that is described right nest. Given the following enabling description of the drawings, the invention should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 depicts an unassembled view of the template according to the invention.

[0023]FIG. 1a illustrates an alternative embodiment according to the invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 depicts a conventional perspective of a corner of the poster frame that illustrates a portion of the assembly according to the invention.

[0025]FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional perspective of the integral poster frame according to the invention.

[0026]FIG. 4 shows a conventional perspective of the posterior part of the integral poster frame.

[0027] For better understanding of the invention, we will describe in detail some of the embodiments shown by the drawings that with illustrative purposes but not limitative purposes, is added to this description.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the invention which preferably is an integral poster frame. The frame preferably includes a template having a principal section 100, first sections 101, second sections 103, third sections 106 and fourth sections 104. Preferably, on the principal section 100 is an image such as those typically found on posters.

[0029]FIG. 1 shows the principal section 100 having a rectangular shape. The principal section 100 preferably is joined to each lateral edge a first section 101, which in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is rectangular. Both first sections 101 preferably include a flap 102 on the two ends. The principal section 100 preferably along its anterior and posterior edges has attached the second sections 103, which in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is rectangular. The first sections 101 and the second sections 103 preferably are of the same width.

[0030] From each first section 101 preferably extends a third section 106, which in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is rectangular and narrower than the first sections 101. Each third section 106 preferably includes a tongue 107 near each of its ends. Preferably the fixed side of each tongue 107 is adjacent to the external lateral edge of such third section 106.

[0031] Each of the second sections 103 preferably has a fourth section 104 extending from its free side. The fourth sections 104 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 as being wider than the second sections. The fourth sections 104 preferably include a vertical slot 105 at each end for engaging a respective tongue 107.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first sections 101 and the second sections 103 preferably are folded to form a 90 degree angle between them and are perpendicular to the principal section 100. The flaps 102 attached to the first sections 101 when assemble preferably are folded in such that they are on the interior side of second sections 103.

[0033] The fourth sections 104 that depend from the second sections 103 preferably are folded perpendicularly in respect to the second sections 103. As well, the third sections 106 preferably are folded to be disposed perpendicularly to the first sections 101 of which they depend. Preferably, the third sections 106 are folded on to the exterior surface of the fourth sections 104. The tongues 107 depending from the third sections 106 preferably are inserted in the vertical slots 105 of the fourth sections 104 to lock the sections 101, 103, 104, 106 into place to form the integral poster frame.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the surface of the principal section 100 provides a surface upon which it is possible to place an image to exhibit. FIG. 4 illustrates the back side of the principal section 100 showing folded sections 101, 103, 104, 106.

[0035] The material of the template preferably is paper with a plastic covering for more rigidity and protection. As mentioned above, the template may include cardboard (corrugated and/or uncorrugated), posterboard, sulfated cardboard or pasteboard, and/or metal cardboard or pasteboard.

[0036] The preferred embodiment of the invention has the third sections 106 are narrower than the first and second sections 101, 103; however, in alternative embodiments the widths may be change in terms of the illustrated ratios and/or the third sections 106 may be wider than the first and second sections 101, 103.

[0037] Another alternative embodiment is to include just the first and second sections, because these sections provide an impression of depth for the frame. Alternatively, additional sections may be added to further increase the rigidity and mechanical resistance of the frame with a corresponding adjustment being made to the assembly process of the frame. In the case of an alternative embodiment with three levels of sections, the first and second sections preferably would be folded to a 90 degree angle with respect to the principal section, the third and fourth sections preferably would be folded to a 90 degree angle with respect to the first and second sections (parallel to the principal section), and the third level of sections preferably would be folded either 90 or 180 degrees relative to the third and fourth sections. If the third level of sections would be folded at a 90 degree angle, then additional depth would be provided to the frame; while if the third level of sections would be folded to a 180 degree angle, then the third level would provide an uniform covering over the third and fourth sections to cover the tongue and slot structure. Alternatively, the above described angles could be either the interior or exterior sides of the principal section or the prior level of sections, respectively. Another alternative method for folding a three section level template is to fold the first and second sections at 45 degrees to the principal section and the third level of sections at 45 degrees to the second level of sections such that the third level of sections are parallel to the principal section.

[0038] The way to fold the sections can also vary, generally these folds will be made to an angle of 90, but this angle and the sense (in, out, to the back or to the front) could change among embodiments.

[0039] In another alternative embodiment, the connection between the third and fourth sections may be accomplished using, for example, any of the following: adhesive, adhesive tape with adhesive on one side or both sides, type of unions Velcro, locks, slots, tongues, clamps, etc.

[0040] In another alternative embodiment, the principal section 100 includes a pair of vertical slots 109 spaced from each other at the same height on the principal section 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1a illustrates a heading section 200 that preferably includes a pair of lateral earflaps 201, which preferably are for insertion into the vertical slots 109. The heading section 200 preferably also includes an upper edge that includes a curved surface that may be of other types of irregularities. The heading section 200 preferably is for placement of an image, promotional material or other visual effect. A further alternative embodiment is to have the heading section 200 be of any shape and/or size. A yet further alternative embodiment is to include multiple sets of vertical slots 109 and heading section 200.

[0041] A still further alternative embodiment is for the template at any position or pair of positions, slots to insert some figure related to the theme of the poster, such as the figure of a hat, chignon, a belt, etc. The can have any size, position and way of assemble.

[0042] Another alternative embodiment of the invention is to include in the upper part slots, cuts, curls, holes, etc. to allow the assembled frame to be hung from a nail.

[0043] Another alternative embodiment is a template for forming a polygon shaped frame. In this embodiment, the tongues 107 and slots 105 would be angled such on their respective sections to be able to engage each other.

[0044] Another alternative embodiment is to switch the third sections and the fourth sections such that the fourth sections depend from the first sections and the third sections depend from the second sections. A further alternative embodiment is to place the second sections along the vertical sides of the principal section and the first sections along the horizontal sides of the principal section.

[0045] The invention has been described enough so that a person with medium knowledge in the subject can reproduce and obtain results from the invention described. Also, any person with skills in this field and technique of this invention will be able to make modifications not described in this solicitude, but if for the application of modifications of a determined structure or in the process of manufacturing, it is required of the reclaim material in the following vindications, these structures must be with in reach of this invention.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in terms of particular preferred embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments. Alternative embodiments, examples, and modifications which would still be encompassed by the invention may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.

[0047] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

1. A poster comprising: a template having an ornamental surface and an operational surface, said template including a principal section, a pair of first sections each of which is connected to opposite edges of said principal section, and a pair of second sections each of which is connected to opposite edges of said principal section.
 2. The poster according to claim 1, wherein said template includes fold line markings along the boundaries of said principal section and said first and second sections.
 3. The poster according to claim 1, wherein said template is includes material selected from a group consisting of paper, cardboard, pasteboard, and sulfated cardboard.
 4. The poster according to claim 1, wherein said template further including a third section depending from each of said first sections, and a fourth section depending from each of said second sections.
 5. The poster according to claim 4, wherein said template including at least one means for locking the ends of adjacent third and fourth sections together.
 6. The poster according to claim 5, wherein said locking means includes a tongue spaced from an edge of said third section and a slot spaced from an edge of said fourth section such that said tongue is capable of engaging said slot.
 7. The poster according to claim 5, wherein said locking means is selected from a group consisting of adhesive, Velcro, and adhesive tape with adhesive on both faces.
 8. The poster according to claim 1, wherein said template including at least one means for locking the ends of adjacent first and second sections together.
 9. The poster according to claim 8, wherein said locking means is selected from a group consisting of adhesive, Velcro, and adhesive tape with adhesive on both faces.
 10. The poster according to claim 1, wherein each of said first sections includes a flap at each end of said first section.
 11. The poster according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment having a heading section and a pair of ears depending from said heading section, and wherein said principal section includes a pair of vertical grooves passing therethrough, the vertical grooves being horizontally spaced from each other and at a predetermined height, and each of said pair of ears is capable of engaging one respective vertical groove.
 12. A method for assembling said poster according to claim 1 comprising: placing the ornamental surface against a surface, folding each of the first and second sections to a perpendicular position to the principal surface, and joining the ends of adjacent first and second sections together.
 13. A poster comprising: a template having an ornamental surface and an operational surface, said template including a principal section, a pair of first sections each of which is connected to opposite edges of said principal section, each first section having a flap depending from each end, a pair of second sections each of which is connected to opposite edges of said principal section, a third section depending from the edge of each of said first sections, a fourth section depending from the edge of each of said second sections, and a means for locking the ends of adjacent third and fourth sections together; and wherein each of said principal section, said first sections, said second sections, said third sections, said fourth sections is rectangular.
 14. The poster according to claim 13, wherein said template includes fold line markings along the boundaries of said principal section and said first and second sections, the boundaries between each pair of said first and third sections, and the boundaries between each pair of said second and fourth sections.
 15. The poster according to claim 13, wherein said locking means includes a tongue spaced from an edge of said third section and a slot spaced from an edge of said fourth section such that said tongue is capable of engaging said slot.
 16. The poster according to claim 13, further comprising an attachment having a heading section and a pair of ears depending from said heading section, and wherein said principal section includes a pair of vertical grooves passing therethrough, the vertical grooves being horizontally spaced from each other and at a predetermined height, and each of said pair of ears is capable of engaging one respective vertical groove.
 17. A method for assembling the poster according to claim 13, said method comprising: placing the ornamental surface of the poster against a surface, folding each of the first and second sections to a perpendicular position to the principal surface, folding each flap depending from the first sections such that the flap is on the interior side of a respective second section, folding each of the fourth sections to a perpendicular position to the second sections, folding each of the third sections to a perpendicular position to the first sections, and locking the third and fourth sections into place using the locking means. 